Gambling scratch cards have the odds stacked against the punter, and they are not without risk. In France, 19 million people play these cards regularly, and among them, 5% – or nearly a million people – simply cannot do without them, according to new figures released by the SOS players’ group.
The SOS players’ group is worried about the increase seen in this addiction within France. According to the Française des Jeux, “95% of French people use (scratching cards) as a recreational practice”.
Some of these have “lost control,” and play far beyond their means. “The trap is that the stake is small, 1 euro, 5 euros, and promises gains (in some cases) of 200,000 euros (or more). We have the impression that for a minimum risk we will win a lot,” explains Jean-Pierre Couteron, president of the Addiction Federation.
The SOS players’ group recommends the introduction of a player card similar to those used in casinos, to help prevent addicted players from continuing to wager their money irresponsibly.
Full article with video: BFM.tv (French)
